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OHIO’S KASICH REBUFFS ANTIS, SIGNS PRO-GUN MEASURE

When Ohio Gov. John Kasich signed legislation to allow the use of suppressors by hunters, while also reforming the state’s concealed carry statute, he did so despite pleas by national gun prohibition lobby­ing groups to veto the bill.

Kasich’s signing was praised by Brett Pucillo, president of Ohio Carry, who acknowledged that the legislation was not “perfect,” but it was a “large step forward for firearm rights in Ohio.”

Jim Irvine, president of the Buck­eye Firearms Association, said the new law “restores rights that we’ve lost.” He called it “good public policy.”

The governor and former con­gressman had heavy legislative votes backing up his decision. The legislation had passed the state Sen­ate 24-6 and the House 72-21.

Anti-gunners insist the new law will make it easier for citizens to get concealed carry permits. Law-abiding Buckeye State citizens are facing smaller hurdles to exercise their rights.

Republican Kasich spent nine terms in the U.S. House of Representatives. From 2001 to 2007, he worked for the Fox News channel as host of his own program, and he also held a job in the private sector.

He was elected governor first in 2010 defeating incumbent Ted Strickland, and in November he was re-elected to another term, turning back a chal­lenge by Democrat Ed FitzGerald by a wide margin.

Under the legislation Kasich signed, concealed carry applicants will only have to attend training courses lasting eight hours instead of 12 hours. The new law also eases residency require­ments and it expands concealed carry reciprocity for non-residents who are licensed in other states. It also extends “competency certification” to military veterans and allows non-residents who work in Ohio to apply for a carry permit where they work.

All of these things make anti-gunners furious.

Kasich has not always seen favor with Second Amendment advocates, but this time around, his signature on H. 234 is definitely considered a victory by gun rights organizations. The new law will take effect in March, 90 days after it was signed.

When he ran for governor, Kasich insisted he believes in the Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms, and he has held to that. By signing the legislation, he’s earned recognition as the gun rights de­fender of the month.